Don’t Struggle In Silence 5k – Norfolk, VA 2026

Race Details Location: Benchtop Brewing Company (1129 Boissevain Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507) Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026 Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm Description This movement was founded by Emily Sheetz, a third-year medical student at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS), whose passion for mental health advocacy stems from a deeply personal place. In 2012, Emily lost her sister, Courtney, to suicide. Courtney struggled with self-harm and eating disorders for many years, and despite her family's best efforts to support her, they couldn't find a way to help. For a long time after her death, Emily and her family struggled to talk about what happened, as the stigma surrounding mental health prevented her from sharing the impact it had on her family. Now Emily shares her story without the fear of being judged or looked down upon. Losing her sister to suicide is a part of her — one she no longer carries with shame or guilt. Emily is now using her voice to show others it is okay to speak out and